Prickly Sow Thistle, Spiny sowthistle

Sonchus asper

Physical Characteristics

Sonchus asper is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, hoverflies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, south and east from Scandanavia to N. Africa, N. and W. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Stem Edible Uses: Tender young leaves and stem tops - raw or cooked[105, 144, 153, 161, 272]. They can be added to salads or used like spinach[183]. The young leaves have a mild agreeable flavour[217]. The stems should be bruised and the bitter-tasting milky juice washed out before eating or cooking them[183]. The stems have been peeled and eaten raw like celery[257].

Medicinal Uses

Poultice The plant is pounded and applied as a poultice to wounds and boils[240, 272].

Known Hazards

None known